Head of Communications

JOB SUMMARY

This is a people leader role with accountability to Head Corporate Affairs Brand & Marketing (CABM) for Internal and External Communications initiatives. It entails development and implementation of an internal and external communications strategy consistent with the business strategy.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop the medium-term operational plans to manage/coordinate all communications for Kenya & Africa whilst ensuring consistent delivery that is aligned with the global agenda.
• Work closely with the businesses to ensure all communications are executed in a planned and consistent manner, bringing the employee value proposition to life through internal and external story telling. Provide key strategic communications advice to CEOs and business leaders.
• The role holder is required to develop and implement strategies to build and protect the reputation of the Bank both externally and internally.  This is achieved via a programme of media relations, internal communications, government relations, corporate responsibility, community relations and investor relations.
• Manage internal and external communications resources to budget. Coordinate internal and external communication plans across all channels, press, thought leadership, web, audio calls, videos. 
• Identify and coordinate opportunities for senior management to act as “trusted counsel” to Governments and other actors on key policy issues.
• Lead the team and identify opportunities to bring expertise and creatively build profile of the businesses both internally and externally. Effectively using external communications to enhance the banks brand reputation through awareness and engagement.
• Build profile of businesses and management externally within Kenya & Africa, with a focus on strategy, business capabilities and achievements, thought leadership, management expertise and community initiatives.
• Be a trusted advisor to the franchise for management of Reputational risk across all business functions and segments.

Processes

• Develop and maintain a network of key press contacts with knowledge of the Bank’s strategies and capabilities; Manage resources to execute internal and external communications plan across the country.
• Ensure appropriate training for spokespeople and ensure access to press is controlled.
• Develop an effective system for timely and high-quality reporting and intelligence on politics and policy change. 

People & Talent

• Lead through example and build the appropriate culture and values. Set appropriate tone and expectations from the team and work in collaboration with risk and control partners. 
• Ensure the provision of ongoing training and development of people and ensure that the team is suitably skilled and qualified for their roles.

Risk Management

• Demonstrate shift towards anticipation of risk and provide leadership and coordination of issues and crisis communications to the functions at cluster and country level.

Governance 

• Ensure adherence to the risk management framework, Group Code of Conduct and various policies, procedures, and Guidelines of the bank by the regional Corporate Affairs and Brand & Marketing Teams as the Reputational Risk Control Owner’s representative

Regulatory & Business Conduct

• Display exemplary conduct and live by the Group’s Values and Code of Conduct. 
• Take personal responsibility for embedding the highest standards of ethics, including regulatory and business conduct, across Standard Chartered Bank and lead the Kenya Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing team] to achieve the outcomes set out in the Bank’s Conduct Principles: Fair Outcomes for Clients; Financial Crime Compliance; The Right Environment 

Key Stakeholders

• Head of Corporate Affairs,  Brand & Marketing Kenya and Africa and Head of Communications, Africa, Middle East and North Africa
• CEO, Kenya & Africa; Country Client Business Heads; Country Functions Heads and Country CABM teams
• Media agencies; Online partners; Vendors and suppliers; editors and journalists
• Network with peers in the industry and other sectors via various strategic business / PR bodies in the country.

Other Responsibilities

• Embed Here for good and Group’s brand and values in the CABM team and perform other responsibilities assigned under Group, Country, Business or Functional policies and procedures.

Qualification

• University degree in Business, Communications, Public Relations or Finance discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of the local business and political environment. Digital marketing flair with the ability to do digital PR; Strategic advocacy and communications planning.
• A proven track record for managing teams to get results. Strong track record in a reputable organisation – preferably an international organisation.
• Strong FMCG, banking, financial services and / or technology pedigree desired.
• Excellent networking skills; Strong networks with the media and Government relations; Form effective relationships with key stakeholders across the matrix using knowledge, communication and relationship skills to positively influence key decisions.
• Excellent communications: clear oral and written skills, effective questioning, and active learning; Superior inter-personal and presentation skills; Cultural sensitivity and awareness